Niurdys Montenegro, a 36-year-old Cuban residing in Miami, experienced an emotional reunion in Little Havana with Steven Metzler, the donor who saved her life following a bone marrow transplant in January 2023.
Alexis Boentes, a journalist from Telemundo 51, covered this memorable first in-person meeting between Montenegro and Metzler. Due to medical protocols, their previous interactions had been limited to text messages.
Montenegro arrived in the United States a decade ago, but her life took a drastic turn three years ago when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Persistent pain in her leg prompted her to seek medical attention. Initially, chemotherapy sessions seemed to manage the disease, but just when she thought the worst was over, the cancer returned.
The second diagnosis was devastating. "If you don't find a donor, there's not much to be done," said Montenegro. Her only hope was a bone marrow transplant.
Fortunately, Metzler, who had registered as a potential donor eight years earlier, turned out to be a 100% match, significantly increasing the chances of a successful transplant.
Steven Metzler, a resident of North Carolina, had forgotten about his donor registration until he received an email confirming his compatibility with a patient. "I felt immediately committed and willing to do whatever was necessary," he said. His commitment was crucial for Montenegro, who describes the transplant process as complex but filled with hope.
This long-awaited reunion was made possible when Metzler flew to Miami with one of his daughters. "If it were my family affected, I'd want someone to do the same," expressed the American.
Grateful, Montenegro emphasizes the importance of donors in overcoming this disease. "If more people donated marrow like they donate blood, it would be a tremendous help," she stated.
Montenegro continues her battle against cancer with immunotherapy, maintaining hope for overcoming this new challenge. "I just say I want to live, and here I am," she expressed.
If you wish to become a bone marrow donor, you can find more information through international non-profit organizations.
Key Questions About Bone Marrow Donation and Leukemia
Given the life-changing impact of bone marrow donation and the challenges of battling leukemia, here are some crucial questions and answers to help understand these topics better.
How can I become a bone marrow donor?
To become a bone marrow donor, you can register with international non-profit organizations that manage donor registries. The process typically involves a simple cheek swab to collect DNA.
What are the chances of finding a compatible bone marrow donor?
Finding a compatible donor can be challenging. Matches are often found within the patient's ethnic group, and the likelihood of finding a match varies. Registering more donors increases the chances for all patients.
What is the process of a bone marrow transplant?
The bone marrow transplant process involves collecting healthy marrow from a donor and transfusing it into the patient's bloodstream. This can help regenerate healthy blood cells and combat diseases like leukemia.
What is immunotherapy and how does it help leukemia patients?
Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the patient's immune system to fight cancer. It can help leukemia patients by boosting their body's natural defenses to target and destroy cancer cells.